Senior Product Development Scientist

At Sargento, you work for a company you believe in, with a family of people who believe in you. Our culture stems from a simple premise: Hire good people and treat them like family. You’ll make decisions based on how they affect people as well as the long-term health of our company, and be encouraged to make a meaningful difference in the community, the company, and your career. With diverse experiences and tools to learn and develop, you can transform your aspirations into reality.

About the role

As a fully competent scientist, you’ll apply advanced food-science principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of foods.

• Conducts product research and development of foods.
• Maintains written technical documentation and product and process specifications.
• Participates and/or leads cross-functional teams charged with the development of new business opportunities.
• Develops strong cross-functional relationships.
• Collaborates with internal (manufacturing, engineering, marketing, quality systems, procurement) and external (suppliers, consultants) functional experts to help resolve issues and recommends technical direction to management.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of complex projects.
• May plan and conduct independent research projects and participates in the development of project objectives.
• Fully understands and applies food standards, safety and sanitary regulations, and good manufacturing practices.
• Studies and applies methods to improve the quality of foods such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
• Makes recommendations for process or product improvements and identifies opportunities for new or improved processes or products.
• Conducts or supervises the testing of new products in test kitchen, the development of specific processing methods in laboratory pilot plant, and scaling products up in manufacturing facilities.
• May supervise a technician and/or intern.
• Up to 20% overnight travel required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with seven plus years relevant experience; or Master’s (MS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with four plus years industry experience; or PhD in Food Science or equivalent.
• Preferred experience working with dairy and cheese.
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, presentation, spreadsheet software, and SAP.
• Current/Valid Driver’s License required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including fertility and adoption benefits.
• Remote ½ day Fridays.
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center.
• Employer 401K contribution in the top 1% of the nation.
• Relocation Assistance.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Access to Employee Store.